My Letter to HIV: A Letter From Mark Milano

Thirty years ago, before any of us even knew you existed, you came into my body. You've caused a lot of problems over the decades, but I've never hated you. You're just doing what we're all trying to do -- survive. Can't blame you for that.

But, listen -- killing your host isn't too smart, is it? That's why I offered you a deal many years ago: you can live in my body (like many other viruses and bacteria) and have some of my CD4 cells. But leave some for me! That way, we both win -- you survive and I survive. While I won't be transmitting you to anyone else, at least you'll have a nice warm place to live. Isn't that better than a corpse?

I made a truce with you years ago, and so far it's working. Let's keep it that way, okay?

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